New Orleans Baked French Toast with Honey Pear Topping
This overnight baked French toast transforms thick slices of French bread into a custardy, golden breakfast casserole topped with tender honey-glazed pears. The bread soaks in a rich egg and half-and-half mixture overnight, creating a creamy interior while the top bakes to a beautiful puffed golden brown. The warm pear topping, simmered with butter, honey, and a touch of cornstarch for glossy thickness, adds elegant sweetness that makes this perfect for special occasions, holiday mornings, or when entertaining guests. Unlike traditional stovetop French toast, this hands-off method feeds a crowd effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 12 slice French bread, 1-inch thick
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup half-and-halfheavy cream1:1creamyadds dairy
richer flavor
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅓ cup honey
Instructions
- 1
Spray 12x8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
- 2
Arrange bread slices in baking dish, completely covering bottom
- 3
Combine eggs, half-and-half, sugar and nutmeg in medium bowl and beat well
- 4
Pour egg mixture over bread in baking dish
- 5
Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight
- 6
Heat oven to 375°F when ready to bake
- 7
Uncover and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and slightly puffed
- 8
Melt butter in medium skillet over medium-high heat
- 9
Add pears and cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally
- 10
Combine water and cornstarch in small bowl and blend well
- 11
Add honey and cornstarch mixture to pears in skillet
- 12
Cook 2 minutes or until bubbly
- 13
Serve pear topping over French toast
Tips
Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture without falling apart.
Make sure bread slices fit snugly in the dish to prevent gaps where custard could pool.
Choose firm pears like Bosc or Anjou that hold their shape when cooked.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or toaster oven.
Assembled dish can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Pear topping is best made fresh but can be rewarmed gently.
Serve hot immediately after baking with warm pear topping. Dust with powdered sugar or add maple syrup if desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the overnight soaking or bread won't absorb custard properly.
Avoid overbaking or the custard will become rubbery and dry.
Don't cook pears too long or they'll turn mushy.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without the pear topping?
Yes, this French toast is delicious on its own. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar instead.
What if I don't have half-and-half?
Use equal parts whole milk and heavy cream, or substitute with whole milk alone for a lighter version.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate covered up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven until warmed through.